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1984 - 1985 - 1986 - 1987 - 1988 - 1989 - 1990 - 1991 - 1992 - 1993 - 1994 - 1996 - 1999 - 2003 - 2006

1984 - Inaugural

1985

1986

1987

1988

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

  • Fred Stewart (1916)
  • Clarence P. "Lorry" Lorentz (1940)
  • Ed Puck (1962)
  • George W. Kording (1964)
  • Gene Gourley (1967)
  • D. Edward Willhite (1977)
  • Elaine Cook (1982)
  • Cheri Callahan Bustos (1983)
  • Angela L. Grable (1986)
  • David B. Earhart (1988)

1996

1999

2003

2006

  • Charles Bellatti (1949)
  • Robert Bonjean III (1994)
  • Dr. James Green
  • Blair Ackman (1993)
  • James Bogard (1997)
  • Debbie Kilby
  • Rebecca Thorne Lindstrom (1995)
  • Kevin Martin (1983)
  • Bruce Penstone (1974)
  • Katrina Schenk (1999)
  • Russ Simoncelli (1983)
  • Dewey Morberg (1937)

 

 

William Thomas Harmon '07  Both an athlete and a coach for Illinois College. A football captain during his collegiate career, he coached the Blueboys to a conference football championship in 1915. He also guided several track squads to conference titles. Deceased April 21, 1959.

Julian Neil Frisbie '17  A three-sport athlete on the Hilltop who excelled in football, basketball, and track. After college, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and after 31 years, retired as a brigadier-general. Deceased April 28, 1963.

Hansel Dwight Wilson '17  A three-sport athlete who excelled as a track man. He set the record for the 880-yard run of 2.04 which stood until 1936 and was also a member of the record-setting mile relay (3.38:4). The record wasn't broken until 1974. The Illinois College Memorial Track Award was initiated in 1976 in his honor. Deceased April 10, 1975.

Don Beane '29  A Little 19 All-Conference selection all four years of his college career. Led the Blueboys in both hitting and fielding during that time and was named MVP as a senior. He went on to play professional baseball after graduation. Deceased October 25, 1994.

Eugene Mellon ’23  A four-sport athlete who excelled in football, baseball, basketball, and track. He won both the discus and shot put in the Little 19 Conference meets in 1921 and 1922. A track and basketball captain. Deceased March 3, 1995.

Byron O. Cully ’22  An all-conference fullback and captain of the 1921 Illinois College football team. A four-sport athlete who also participated in track, baseball, and basketball. Versatility was his middle name. Deceased February 7, 1979.

Robert Schuster ’31  A Little 19 All-Conference selection both in football and basketball who was also a member of the conference championship baseball team in 1929. He was signed by the New York Yankees in 1931 and played in the minor leagues for two years. Deceased September 26, 2005

LaRue Van Meter ('32-'38)  A football, baseball, and basketball coach at Illinois College from 1932-1938 in what has become to be known as the “Van Meter Years.” During his six-year stay on the Hilltop, his teams always were at, or near, the top of the standings. He brought the Blueboys their only Little 19 basketball championship and added a pair of championships in baseball as well. Deceased December 17, 1981.

Floyd Newkirk ’33  A baseball and basketball player for Illinois College who went on to play professional baseball. A superb fast-ball pitcher, he was traded by the New York Yankee organization to the San Francisco Giants for Joe DiMaggio. Deceased April 15, 1976.

Forrest England ’35  A two-year letter winner in football and a one-year letterman in track who went on to a very successful college coaching career. He placed four teams in bowl games, and he only had one team with a losing record in 22 years of coaching. A charter member of the National Football Hall of Fame. Deceased June 25, 2002.

Anthony Pacotti ’35  A standout baseball and football player for the Blueboys who was chosen football MVP in 1932. He played professional baseball with Bloomington in 1936. Probably the first IC player to hit a grand slam. Deceased July 10, 1995.

James Winn ’35  A baseball and basketball player for the Blueboys who went on to play professional baseball for the Boston Red Sox organization. He played with fellow Hall of Fame inductees Vergil Fletcher and Louis Lasiter and was on the first Illinois College team to win the Little 19 basketball championship. Deceased January 25, 1976.

Ray Eliot ('35-'37)  Compiled a 15-7-1 record during three seasons as football coach for the Blueboys (when he was known as Ray “Butch” Nusspickel) in the mid-’30s. Went on to become a very successful coach at the University of Illinois and was later named athletic director. Deceased February 24, 1980.

Abe Feduris ’36  One of the biggest tackles to play for Illinois College in the football program’s early years. A co-captain and all-conference selection, he played for fellow Hall of Fame inductee Ray Eliot. Deceased (no date available).

Willis Munger ’36  An All-American football player who also garnered all-conference honors several times. Played in the College All-Star game against NFL World Champion Detroit Lions. He also served as freshman football coach for Ray Eliot. Deceased August 2, 1944.

Alfred Lamb ’37  Both an Illinois College athlete and coach. A football player while in college, he coached football, baseball, and swimming after graduation. He guided the Blueboys to a co-championship in the Little 19 in 1937 football action and posted back-to-back championships in both baseball and swimming in 1938 and 1939. Deceased June 26, 1986.

Vergil Fletcher ’38  An all-conference selection in basketball while in college, who went on to become one of the greatest coaches in high school history. Charter member of the Illinois Coaches Basketball Hall of Fame and an inductee into the National High School Sports Hall of Fame. Retired.

Samuel Mangieri ’38  A varsity football and baseball player for four years who was named to the Little 19 All-Conference team. Was noted for his touchdown passes and at least two of those gave Illinois College a pair of important conference victories. A successful high school coach, he coached at Virginia, Abingdon, and Carl Sandburg Junior College. Deceased March 8, 1993.

Louis Lasiter ’37  The original big man -- he was known as “too tall” -- in the Little 19 Conference at 6-10. Led the conference in scoring and rebounding and was chosen conference MVP. Led the Blueboys to the conference championship as a junior but was slowed by illness his senior year. Deceased August 6, 1979.

Dr. Harvey D. Scott II ’42  A football and track standout who was drafted by the Detroit Lions to play professional football. However, Uncle Sam sent him greetings the same year, and he never got a chance to report to the Lions. Went on to medical school and was a physician in Jacksonville for many years. Deceased December 21, 2003.

Robert Grove ’51  A three-sport athlete who was a College Conference of Illinois All-Conference selection in basketball and captained the 1950 football and baseball teams. He played with the Minor College All-Star basketball team which defeated the Big 10 All-Stars four out of six games. He amassed a 347-191 record as a very successful high school basketball coach.

William Shouse ’51  A one-man scoring machine on the basketball court who broke all existing scoring records while in school. Drafted to play professional basketball but turned down the offer to continue his education. Is listed among the leaders on the all-time Blueboy single season scoring chart with 535 points. Deceased June 25, 2000.

William Gross ’52  An all-conference selection in both football and basketball who also competed in track. One of the greatest all-around athletes in IC history. He was a coach for 28 years and served as baseball coach at MacMurray College for a short time. Retired.

William D. Merris ’56  Both an Illinois College athlete and coach. An all-conference basketball and baseball selection in college, he completed 38 seasons as head coach of the Blueboys’ basketball team. Retired athletic director, professor and men’s basketball coach at IC. Continues to supervise student teachers at IC.

Charles Martin ’69  Holds Illinois College’s rebounding records for one game (25), one season (405) and for a career (1,318). Played on the first Illinois College basketball team to beat MacMurray. Is listed three times on the top 20 single season scoring chart. He is associate director in the Illinois Department of Human Services in Springfield.

Ron Summers ’74  An All-American shot-putter in 1974 who set records for the NAIA District 20 and Illinois College. He also excelled in football, being named to the all-district team three seasons. He is assistant control operator at Ameren in Meredosia, Ill.

Harold Hopper ’28  Four-year standout in basketball, track, and football on the Hilltop. A member of the “I” Club and a vice president of the Athletic Council. Entered private business after graduation. Deceased October 7, 1984.

Herman H. Conrady ’29  Captain of the Centennial baseball team during his senior year of college. Posted a 9-2 pitching record at IC before moving to the outfield in his junior and senior seasons. He played semipro baseball for two years after graduation. In 1931, he entered public education and worked as both a principal and a superintendent during a 41-year span. In 1965, the North Palos Elementary School Distract built the H.H. Conrady Jr. High School in his honor. Deceased February 6, 2002.

James L. Bunch ’31  Starting second baseman for the first Little 19 Championship baseball team in 1929. During his senior year, he led the basketball team in scoring. After graduation, he entered dentistry. Deceased December 15, 1986.

Pauline Ledferd Telford ’32  Winner of the Little 19 state singles tennis championship which was held on a gymnasium floor due to rain. She also received a coveted men’s letter after that performance. Later went into the newspaper business, working for the State Journal-Register in several capacities. She won numerous writing awards during her career. Deceased May 12, 2000.

Kenneth Woods ’34  Played on the first Little 19 championship baseball team for fellow Hall of Famer, Coach Ray Eliot. A basketball MVP and captain of the 1933 team. Chose coaching as his career. Deceased.

T. Joseph Doyle ’38  Won individual golf honors in the Little 19 Conference in 1936 and helped the Blueboys to a first-place finish. He tied for first-place individual honors in 1938. Retired.

Cecil Fletcher ’39  Served as co-captain with brother and fellow Hall of Famer Vergil Fletcher during the 1937-38 basketball season. Member of the 1935 conference championship team. Four-year letter winner in both basketball and track. Joined the coaching ranks after graduation and became one of Southern Illinois’ most successful track and cross country coaches. Had the Cecil Fletcher Tiger Relay named in his honor. A member of the Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame as a player. Deceased October 22, 2001.

Dick Yates ’43  A four-sport athlete on the hilltop campus who was an all-conference quarterback and captain of the basketball and baseball teams in 1942. Joined the Navy in 1943 and later entered the education field. After coaching briefly, he was a principal, an athletic director, and a junior high administrator. Deceased February 19, 2007.

Al Miller ('46-'56)  Former Blueboys’football, basketball, and baseball coach. His basketball teams placed second two consecutive years in conference play. Managed the Hawaiian All-Star Basketball team in 1934-36. He posted a career record of 112-91 in basketball and 25-46-2 in football at IC. After retiring from IC, he stayed in Jacksonville as a businessman.

Joseph E. Hill ’49  An all-conference football player in 1948 after being chosen as a captain. That team sported the first postwar winning season. Went on to work in education and became superintendent of schools at Evanston, Ill. Deceased December 19, 1998.

James E. Spink ’50  A very successful high school and college coach. He coached the Illinois School for the Deaf to two national championships in football before moving to Bradley University where he served as the university’s swim coach. His teams compiled a 168-127-1 record and won 73 of their last 89 dual meets. A member of the Bradley Hall of Fame, he also served as the school’s golf coach. Retired.

Thomas Rowland ’69  Set an NAIA football interception record (15) in 1967 and also excelled in baseball and track with several all-conference awards. Played professional football with the Green Bay Packers before being named the Defensive Player of the Year in the Atlantic Coast Conference in 1968. Former assistant professor at IC and also coached wrestling, football, and track.

David A. Hobson ’76  A three-year basketball MVP and all-conference selection who rewrote the IC scoring record book. A two-time All-NAIA District 20 pick, he holds the record for most points in a season (634) and in a career (2,060). He led IC to a 17-8 record in 1976. He is manager of Sarco Hydraulics in Litchfield, Ill.

Dr. Raymond Goldsby ’28  Played football, basketball, and competed in track 1925-28. Captained the 1927-28 basketball squad under Coach Duke Diwosky that was known as the “Dribbling Derby Demons.” Was a letterman in all three sports and was an assistant track coach in 1928 while competing as well as a successful star in industrial league softball and basketball after graduating from Illinois College. He was a consultant in the petroleum industry in the Chappaqua, N.Y. area. Deceased November 6, 2002.

George Baker ’34  A four-year track star for the Blueboys from 1931-34. Captained the 1933 track team and participated in the 1934 NCAA Track and Field Championships at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Deceased October 5, 1996.

Charles “Nick” Watts ’37  Football, basketball, and baseball standout at Illinois College from 1933-37. Was one of the stars of the 1935-36 Blueboy basketball squad that won the Little 19 basketball title that year. He was also the captain of the 1936-37 squad which finished second in the conference. He was a former Marine Corps captain. Deceased January 29, 2002.

Glenn Freeman ’38  A pivotal member of the Illinois College swim team for 1935-38 that won four Little 19 swimming championships in succession. He captained the 1937 squad. President of the “I” Club in 1938. Former chairman of the board for Glen-Joe Inc. and Natural Vitamins Inc. in California. Deceased December 9, 1993.

Clayton Lambert ’40  A standout football and baseball player at Illinois College for three seasons that went on to play professional baseball. A star fullback, he was the Little 19 football scoring champion in 1937 with 48 points in five conference games. As a member of the Ogden Reds, he was elected as recipient of the President’s Trophy in the Pioneer League for the league’s outstanding pitcher. He was also named the league’s outstanding pitcher by the Howe News Bureau in Chicago and the Salt Lake Tribune in Utah. He led the International League with 21 wins in 1941 for Syracuse in the Class C League and later was the winning pitcher in the deciding game that same year in the Little World Series. Played Class AA baseball for the Syracuse franchise and was with the Cincinnati Reds from 1947-50. Deceased April 3, 1981.

Joe Brooks (University of Illinois ’46)  Served the Illinois College athletic department as coach and athletic director for 39 years, from 1947-1986. He was named athletic director and baseball coach in 1947 and was assistant football coach under Al Miller before being named head football coach in 1956. His best football teams were during the 1977, ’78, and ’79 seasons finishing with a combined record of 22-4. His 1978 team was the best ever with an 8-1 mark. He was named District 20 (Illinois) Coach of the Year the preceding season. His 30 years as head football coach rank him near the top for the longest term of service to any one institution in the State of Illinois. He is credited with bringing Illinois College into the modern athletic era and was pivotal in developing the wrestling and swimming programs at IC. Deceased December 3, 1990.

Don Longer ’50  Participated in football, basketball, and track for three years. Captained the 1949 squad under Coach Al Miller. Since graduating from Illinois College, he has served on several civic boards in the Danville, Ill., area. He retired from the Hyster Company.

Sam Spink ’50  Captained the 1948 football squad under Al Miller and is the brother of long-time Bradley coach Jim Spink. Retired.

Walter “Gene” Farmer ’58  He captained all three major sports (football, basketball, and baseball) during his senior year (1957-58). Was the leading tackler on the 1956 and 1957 football teams as a linebacker while also playing offensive guard. Was the top assist man on the 1957-58 basketball team and was the baseball team’s top pitcher from 1955-58 winning 28 games and losing 12 in four years. Was also the top hitter in 1956 for the Blueboys, hitting .462. Was offered a minor league (Class B) contract by Cincinnati, Milwaukee, and Chicago White Sox organizations but turned them down to pursue coaching at prep level. In 1960, he was named an all-state selection in fast-pitch softball. He was an assistant football coach at Triopia High School in Concord, Ill. where his team won the state Class 1A title in 1975 and was runner-up in 1974 and 1976.

Mike Zupsich ’39  Co-captain of the 1939 baseball team and played football and baseball for three years each. In 1939, he batted .575, some 100 points higher than the other players in six conference baseball games. All three of his years on the Illinois College baseball team resulted in conference championships. Coached baseball, football, track, and basketball for six years in Illinois high schools. Taught college math for nine years at the University of Missouri in Rolla and for 17 years at Belleville Area College. Deceased September 4, 1997.

Bonnie Kellerman Gill ’81  Made her mark in women’s athletics at Illinois College by participating in five sports: tennis, softball, volleyball, track, and basketball. In volleyball, she was Rookie of the Year in 1977 and MVP in 1978 and 1980. In basketball, she was Rookie of the Year in 1977-78 and MVP in 1978-79 and 1979-80. Scored the most points in track in 1978 and was the batting champion in softball in 1981. Received the Doris B. Hopper Award for Outstanding Female Athlete in 1978-79 and three Al Miller Academic Achievement awards. Coached volleyball at the junior high level for four years and received honorable mention for the ASA summer softball all-state team, Class AA, in 1984. She is a postal carrier for the Pinckneyville Post Office in Pinckneyville, Ill.

Harold L. Chere ’28  A track standout during his years at Illinois College, he held the record for the long jump in the Little 19 Conference for several years. Represented Illinois College and won the long jump at the Kansas Relays and won second place at the Drake Relays. Captured the NCAA title in the long jump in 1926. Captain of the track team, a member of the “I” Club and a member of the Illinois Athletic Club for several years. Retired teacher. Deceased February 20, 1992.

Helen Kitner Crabtree ’38  Participated on the women’s tennis team at Illinois College for four years and served as captain. In 1939, she and Mary Alice Heflin won the Little 19 women’s tennis doubles championship. Played intramural basketball for four years and taught riding from 1938-1939. Won countless honors in equitation as a rider and instructor. From 1928 produced 22 National Equitation Championship winners. Only woman to be named “Trainer of the Year” by the United Professional Horsemen’s Association in 1979. She was also an author of equitation publications and was featured in numerous media. Deceased January 4, 2002.

Marvin “Jeff” H. Boss III ’78  Played basketball all of his four years at Illinois College and played baseball during the 1974-75 season. Chosen All-Prairie College Conference in basketball, All-District 20 NAIA in 1977-78 and was co-captain of the team his senior year. During his four years at Illinois College, the basketball Blueboys never lost to MacMurray College. Plays basketball for the Morton Men’s League in Morton, Ill. He is vice president of Morton Community Bank in Peoria.

Dr. Dan Cloud  The late Dr. Cloud was superintendent of Illinois School for the Deaf in Jacksonville during the 1930s and 1940s. He encouraged many Illinois College athletes to consider careers in deaf education. Many IC athletes received room and board at ISD in exchange for working there. A championship Illinois College swimming team of that era used the ISD pool for practice. He received an honorary degree from Illinois College in 1951. Deceased.

Arthur Yates ’41  The late Arthur Yates was a three-sport participant, playing basketball, football, and track. Served as co-captain of the track team his sophomore year. Member of Gamma Nu literary society and “I” Club and majored in history. Taught high school for several years in Illinois; eventually named superintendent of the Illinois School for the Deaf. Last position was with the State of Illinois Division of Vocational Rehabilitation as coordinator of pre-vocational training programs. Deceased September 8, 1967.

Jeff Wessler ’77  Played football and lettered in all four years at Illinois College in the sport. Received the Conrad Noll III Award in 1974 through 1976 and the Al Miller Award the same years. He was selected All-Prairie College Conference in 1974 and was chosen as co-captain of the football team in 1976. Was an excellent student, appearing on the dean’s list and winning a Rammelkamp Scholarship. Owns Wessler Brothers Agency in Virginia, Ill.

Jack Hartong ’39  Former superintendent of the Illinois Braille and Sight Saving School in 1976, was co-captain of the Illinois College football team in 1938, and was a member of the 1937 conference championship football team. Played football at the College for four years. As a senior, he managed the baseball team. Played basketball in 1935. Returned to his alma mater in 1941-42 to serve as assistant football coach and admissions counselor. Was honored for his contributions to education, especially for the handicapped, by his alma mater and the Jacksonville community. Deceased June 14, 1995.

Philip K. Snowden ’68  Lettered in football 1965-67 and was team captain in 1967. In 1966, he was selected all-conference. A member of the General’s Club. Played baseball at IC in 1966 and 1967. Received the batting trophy in the latter year for maintaining a .472 average. He was all-conference both years, all-district in 1967, and an all-American honorable mention in 1967. Captained the 1967 baseball team. Was the first recipient of the William J. Downer Award as male college athlete of the year in 1967. Coached varsity basketball at St. Mary’s Academy in Mt. Sterling, Ill. and freshman football at Chofu High School in Tokyo, Japan.

Jay Wessler ’81  The younger of the famous Wessler brothers, he earned many honors playing at Illinois College from 1977-80. He was Rookie of the Year in 1977; MVP in 1978, 1979 and 1980; academic all-American in 1980; all-conference in 1980; and on the NAIA District All-Star team in 1978, 1979, and 1980. Set school records that still stand and was selected all-American in 1979. Won the William J. Downer Award as male college athlete of the year in 1980-81. Went to training camp with the Chicago Bears in 1981 and with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1982. His football jersey, #23, was retired because of his outstanding record. He is an insurance broker/partner in Wessler Brothers Agency in Arenzville, Ill.

James M. Barnes ’21  Participated in basketball and football for four years and track and golf for one year each; Barnes captained the 1920 basketball squad while serving as president of the Athletic Association. Served in Congress before becoming administrative assistant to Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman. Was a member of the Illinois College Board of Trustees and a Morgan County Judge. Deceased June 8, 1958.

Larry Dale ’25  One of Illinois College’s most versatile athletes, Dale participated four years in football, basketball, and track. Captain of basketball team in 1924 and 1925 and track team in 1924, Dale was one of the best all-around athletes to ever perform for the late coach William Harmon. Head coach at Woodstock High School from 1927-1964, Dale continued teaching until his death. Deceased September 23, 1966.

Conrad Noll, Jr. ’34  A three-year member of track and football, Noll was also a member of the “I” Club on the Hilltop. Noll has held positions with the Ford Motor Company and the United States Army Air Corps among others and has served on the board of directors for many banks in Illinois. In 1966, Noll established the Conrad Noll III Football Award in honor of his son. Deceased May 27, 1990.

Hubert Pearce ’34  Pearce, a member of the football and basketball teams for four years, was said to have played every position on the football team. He served initially as teacher and head of the physical education department at Petersburg before moving to Zion Benton High School where he spent 31 years, first as a teacher and eventually superintendent. Upon retirement, Pearce became a representative for the Illinois School of Consulting, retiring completely in 1985. Deceased August 23, 1989.

Ray E. Smith ’37  Smith played football from 1933-36, baseball from 1934-35, and basketball in 1934 and also served as captain of the football team in 1936. Smith went on to be a freshman coach at Illinois College from 1937-39 before coaching and teaching at many high schools from 1939-55. He became the director of health, physical education, and safety at Moline in 1955 and served in that capacity until 1975. He retired after 38 years as a coach, teacher, and administrator at Moline Public Schools.

Herb Scheffler ’39  Outstanding basketball and baseball player for Illinois College in 1936-37, Scheffler was voted All-Little 19 in both sports during those years. He is a member of the Illinois High School Basketball Hall of Fame and officiated the State Basketball Finals in Champaign 1958-61. Coached basketball and baseball at Springfield High School from 1947 to his retirement in 1956. Deceased January 20, 2001.

James Buckley ’49  Four-year golf champion at Illinois College, Buckley was a member of the 1940 and 1941 golf teams that captured the conference championship. He was also three-time winner of the Individual Golf Championship. Compiled an 80% win record in 31 years as golf coach at Jacksonville High School. Named to Jacksonville High School Sports Hall of Fame in 1986 before receiving the Illinois Coaches Association National Coach of the Year Award in 1987. Five-year I.H.S.A Golf Advisory Committee member and nine-time Jacksonville City Golf Champion. Retired after 34 years of teaching in Jacksonville. Deceased November 16, 2003.

Robert E. Hembrough ’59  Participated in football and baseball for four years and basketball for two years. Hembrough received all-conference baseball awards in 1958 and 1959; all-conference football awards in 1956, 1957, and 1958; and Honorable Mention Little All-American in 1958 and 1959. Played for Jacksonville softball team that won the state tournament and was selected all-state softball player. Retired.

Dennis A. Watson ’69  Playing four years under Joe Brooks for the football Blueboys, Watson walked away with a long list of honors and awards including 1964 Rookie of the Year, 1965 Honorable Mention All-Conference, 1966 all-conference and Most Valuable Player, and 1967 all-conference and defensive captain. Watson went on to coach football and wrestling at Rantoul and Westville before becoming athletic director and assistant principal at Westville. He now serves as principal of Westville High School.

Jay N. Eckhouse ’78  A four-year football star and baseball standout at IC, Eckhouse became starting quarterback during his freshman year and held this honor for the remainder of his collegiate career. As the offensive leader for the Blueboys, Eckhouse played the major role in changing IC into a winning force during his years with the team, and many of his gridiron records still hold. He was also the starting first baseman for the Blueboys for three years and the 1976 batting champion. Former baseball coach at Marquette High School and Jacksonville High School. He is currently the baseball coach and assistant football coach at IC.

Danny R. Little ’78  Completed four years of basketball at Illinois College between 1972 and 1978. Little was basketball captain, Most Valuable Player, all-conference, First Team Academic All-State, and the recipient of the Al Miller Award. He is the director of MCS Community Services in Jacksonville.

Joseph T. Aiello ’82  A four-year football star for the Blueboys from 1977-1981, Joe received numerous athletic awards including Kodak All-American, Most Valuable Player, all-conference 1st team, and the William J. Downer Award. Was co-captain of the 1981 squad, lettering that season and each previous season. Coached Junior Tackle football teams in Springfield and Tuscola. He is the Sangamon County Clerk in Springfield, Ill.

David L. Billings ’51  Competed in four sports while at Illinois College: football (four seasons), basketball (four seasons), baseball (three seasons), and track (one season). He was a member of Student Forum and in his senior year was chosen to be in the 1950-51 edition ofWho’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. Billings retired after 33 years in public education and lives in northern Michigan.

Wayne N. Cusic ’28  Played football, basketball, and baseball for the Blueboys and was the captain of the football team. After his departure from Illinois College, Cusic taught for a while and then entered Louisiana State University to pursue his master’s degree in health and physical education. In 1940, he joined the staff at John McNeese Junior College and in 1955 was appointed president of McNeese State University. Cusic retired in 1970 and was inducted into the McNeese State University Hall of Fame. Deceased November 20, 1993.

Robert G. Gregory ’50  Was a three-sport letterman at IC in basketball, baseball, and track. He co-captained both the baseball and basketball teams. At the end of his junior year, Gregory signed a professional baseball contract with the St. Louis Cardinals organization. In his three years as a professional pitcher, he compiled a 28-10 record which placed him in the top eight in the league. An arm injury prematurely ended his baseball career, and now he is a farmer in the Jacksonville area.

Robert Hacquet ’73  Rookie of the Year was only the beginning of the honors received by Hacquet while playing football at IC. Others are all-conference all four years, Most Valuable Player two years, Honorable Mention NAIA District 20, the William J. Downer Award, and team co-captain his senior year. Hacquet is an extraction process supervisor at Lauhoff Grain Company in Danville, Ill.

Robert D. Hamm ’40  Participated in basketball three years and tennis four years. Hamm captained and coached the tennis team his senior year, was the Little 19 doubles champ with Elmer Lukeman his freshman year, and singles champ his sophomore year. After leaving IC, Hamm won several tennis tournaments, coached an army team to the finals of a Hawaiian tournament, was president of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the United Fund in Jacksonville. Deceased September 26, 2000.

Elmer Lukeman ’40  Played basketball and tennis for the Blueboys. He teamed with Bob Hamm to win the Little 19 doubles championship in 1937 and was team captain in 1938. During WW II, Lukeman competed on the post tennis team and also represented the US Signal Corps in Hawaii. He served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors and was president of the Jacksonville Jaycees. Retired.

Frank Mangieri ’42  While playing on the gridiron for the Blueboys, Mangieri was captain of the team and was named team Most Valuable Player his senior year. He was also Honorable Mention All-Conference during his last season at Illinois College as well as a letterman in baseball.

Keith C. Peabody ’40  Peabody co-captained the IC eleven in football in 1939 and was a letterman in both football and track. He also was president of the “I” Club on the hill during his senior year. Peabody was the regional manager of the Illinois State Employment Service in Champaign, Ill. Deceased July 10, 1979.

Harry Rubendall ’27  Competed in basketball, football, and golf while at IC. He was the Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Golf Champion in 1923 and taught golf his sophomore year. Rubendall was a PGA golf pro and a consultant at golf courses in Illinois and Florida. He also was voted the “Most Outstanding Senior PGA Pro of Illinois.” Deceased August 27, 1998.

Merrill A. (Duster) Thomas ’28  “Duster,” as he was affectionately known, is hailed as one of Illinois’ all-time best high school basketball coaches. His Pinckneyville Panthers, over a span of 19 years, had an incredible record of 483 wins and only 133 losses, a winning percentage of .784. During his final seven seasons, he sent his team to the “Sweet 16" every year and compiled a record of 212-25. He also coached football, track, and tennis over a period of 36 years at Pinckneyville High School. He was a baseball letterman at IC. Deceased November 11, 1981.

Andy Winkelmann ’77  Had great success playing football. His accomplishments include: all-conference, team co-captain, Most Valuable Player, and the William J. Downer male athlete of the year award. Winkelmann also competed in baseball. He coached at Jacksonville High School for nine years, then went to North Texas University and helped coach while pursuing his master’s degree in sports psychology. He is a counselor in the University of Iowa Athletic Department in Iowa City.

Robert H. Winstead ’56  A three-sport athlete, including football, basketball, and baseball. He was captain of both the baseball and football teams, and he won the gold football award for being a member of the conference champs in football. Winstead was a teacher, coach, and athletic director for more than 33 years. His coaching career record up through 1989 in basketball, football, and baseball is 579 wins, 372 losses and 5 ties. Winstead was named Coach of the Year by the Quincy Herald-Whig newspaper in 1963. He retired as a teacher from Routt High School in Jacksonville, Ill.

Dr. Ernst C. Bone ’36  A retired general practitioner who provided the Jacksonville community with skilled medical care for over 40 years. In addition to a multitude of career achievements, he has served his alma mater in countless ways since leaving the hilltop campus. Dr. Bone was instrumental in promoting the concept of an athletic hall of fame, and he served as founding chairman of the committee. As an undergraduate, E.C. Bone lettered in basketball and baseball. He was presented with the honorary Doctor of Laws degree by Illinois College in recognition of his career achievements in the field of medicine and in application of his many years of service on behalf of the College. He is a native of Prairie City, Ill. Dr. Bone is employed as a medical consultant in the State of Illinois Bureau of Disability.

Dr. L. Vernon Caine  Under his leadership, the intercollegiate sports program at IC made giant strides. His 17-year tenure as president saw the development of greater opportunities in women’s athletics along with the addition of several sports for men. He also reinforced the philosophy that academics come before athletics. Dr. Caine oversaw the development of improved facilities for football, baseball, track, and swimming, and his presidency also was responsible for the expansion of the full-time teaching and coaching staff in physical education. He received an honorary Doctor of Literature degree from IC in 1975 and held the rank of president emeritus. Deceased February 12, 2001.

Gale Vaughn ’78  Former football standout and Most Valuable Player for the Blueboys. He won all-state gridiron honors and was a three-time NAIA All-district selection for his play at linebacker. The Camden, Ill., native also lettered in track, specializing in the javelin. Vaughn was selected as winner of IC’s William J. Downer Award as male athlete of the year in 1977-78. He served as co-captain for the nationally-ranked 1977 Blueboy team that finished 7-1. Vaughn is the athletic director at IC and is also the men’s tennis coach.

Robert E. Spink ’43  The late Spink was a long-time Jacksonville businessman and former football captain (1943). He also starred in basketball for the Blueboys. In addition to owning the Spink Insurance Agency, he was active in community affairs throughout his life and held posts with the Jacksonville school board, Passavant Hospital, Red Cross, Chamber of Commerce, and CACHE Drive. He was a World War II veteran. Deceased July 17, 1985.

Charles W. Petefish ’27  Devoted his 50-year career to public education. His athletic accomplishments in college include winning 12 varsity letters, encompassing the sports of football, basketball, and track. His gridiron credits include serving as team captain and winning all-conference honors. He coached football at Winchester High School and later at Springfield High School where he also served as a counselor. The career educator was principal of Lanphier High School in Springfield and later served as counselor at Springfield-Griffin High School. Deceased June 23, 1990.

Richard Z. Shirvis ’41  The late Shirvis was considered an outstanding blocking back in football for the Blueboys. The football co-captain also lettered in swimming. He was a Chicago native, but following college and service in the U.S. Navy, lived and worked in the Elgin area. He spent his career as a sales representative and worked for both the Elgin Watch Co. and the Spiedel Company. Deceased December 12, 1978.

Hazel Gates Buren ’78  Earned five letters in four sports: volleyball, basketball, tennis and track. She is a former basketball MVP and 1976-77 winner of the Doris Hopper Award which goes to the woman athlete of the year. The IC Hall of Famer has coached at the junior high and high school level in girls’ track and basketball. She also started a junior high volleyball program. She and her husband have owned and operated Lighthouse Christian Bookstore in Macomb since 1985.

Oscar D. Young ’71  Lettered in football and basketball. He won the William J. Downer Award as male athlete of the year in 1970-71 when he won basketball MVP honors. His greatest exploits came on the football field where he had a career total of 25 interceptions en route to winning all-conference honors all three times. He played semipro football for the Lake County Rifles and captured Rookie of the Year honors in 1971 when he recorded 10 interceptions. He is an independent agent for Allstate Insurance in Calumet City, Ill.

Melissa Scanlon Wright ’81  Won most valuable awards in track for the 1977, 1978 and 1979 seasons and set records in the 50 and 100-meters, long jump and 400-meter relay. She claimed second-place finishes at the 1979 state track meet in four events. Her athletic credits include winning the Al Miller Academic Award in swimming and capturing a school-record point total in diving. She is the director of operations in the Illinois Department of Human Services.

Dr. C.A. Weber ’24  Served as captain of the track team in the early 1920s and was a member of the Blueboys’ state record-setting relay team. Weber also competed in football, earning three varsity letters and all-conference honors. He held the rank of professor emeritus at the University of Connecticut where he retired in 1966 after completing four decades of service in the field of education. Dr. Weber held advanced degrees from the University of Illinois and Northwestern University and was superintendent of schools in the Illinois communities of Hume, Galva, and Cicero. His 14 book titles include the autobiographical Double Trouble. In 1988, he was recognized by his alma mater as the recipient of a Distinguished Service Citation. Deceased February 18, 1998.

Dr. Harold E. Gibson ’36  A standout member of the IC track squad, earned four letters and served as team captain his senior year. In naming the career administrator to the Hall of Fame, members of the selection committee cited Dr. Gibson’s six decades of dedicated service on behalf of his alma mater. Before embarking on a long tenure in higher education administration, Dr. Gibson coached cross country and track in Jacksonville High School from 1930-37. During that time, he coached the JHS debate squad to five state titles. Dr. Gibson earned his master’s degree and the Ed.D at the University of Missouri. He is a former vice president and assistant to the president at Illinois State University, where he served from 1950-72. A Girard native, Dr. Gibson served on the administrative staff at MacMurray College from 1937-50 and held the title of public relations director, business manager, and admissions director. Deceased April 5, 1997.

Edward R. Harrell ’57  A standout on the basketball court, set a Blueboy scoring record when he poured in 38 points in a 1955 win over Blackburn to break Bill Shouse’s former mark. That record stood until 1987 when Dave Earhart scored 44 points in a win over Principia. Harrell won four letters in basketball and was a three-time selection to the All-Prairie College Conference team. Long-time fans of Blueboy basketball will recall that Harrell, in two “head-to-head” encounters with Western Illinois’ talented Chuck Schramm, outscored the all-American center by counts of 27-23 and 21-20. Harrell compiled outstanding credentials as a chemist with the 3M Company in St. Paul, Minn. in research and development. He holds patents in the fields of structural adhesives and magnetic recording. Harrell was a two-time recipient of his company’s coveted Golden Step Award. Retired from 3M Company.

Travis Wilson ’81  A member of IC’s fine football teams of the late 1970s, earned four letters and served as team captain as a senior. He won three letters and team MVP honors in baseball and was named 1978-79 recipient of the William J. Downer Award as male athlete of the year for overall athletic excellence. After graduating, Wilson was an assistant football coach at Jacksonville High School for one season before moving to Payson-Seymour High School where he served as head baseball coach and assistant basketball coach during a five-year tenure. Wilson has been athletic director, head basketball coach and assistant football coach at Arthur High School. He is currently the principal at Arthur High School in Arthur, Ill.

Peter Radabaugh ’83  Standout on the basketball court for veteran Head Coach Bill Merris placed his name in the IC record book when he connected on all 14 of his field goal attempts in a game at Southwestern of Memphis during the 1980-81 season. He also holds school marks for consecutive field goals (20) and season field goal percentage (.549), set in 1980-81. He is also one of a select few IC basketball players to score more than 1,000 career points. Radabaugh, who earned four letters in basketball and four in baseball, was basketball MVP in 1980-81. After his sophomore season, he was voted to the CoSIDA academic all-America basketball team. Radabaugh also was a three-time selection for all-conference honors. He is assistant controller at Jackson Storage Properties in Naperville, Ill.

Randy Klatt ’84  Became IC’s first four-time national qualifier in track when he met NCAA standards in the hurdles from 1981 through 1984. He won all-America honors in the sport by placing seventh as a junior and eighth as a senior at the NCAA Division III outdoor track and field championships. Klatt, who holds the IC record in his specialty, the 100-meter high hurdles, won MVP honors as a senior. He also served as captain of the IC track squad during the 1983 and 1984 seasons. The standout hurdler captured four varsity letters in the sport to go with the two letters in football and one in basketball. He is employed by The West Group in Charlotte, N.C., as business development director.

Carol Johnson ’86  A key member of the strong Lady Blues’ basketball teams of the mid-1980s, ranks among the all-time NCAA single-season rebound leaders, thanks to her 16.4 rebounds per game average (second in the nation) posted during the 1983-84 season. She set an IC record with 25 rebounds in a game against Monmouth and shares the school’s single game standard of 11 free throws, set twice during the 1985-86 season. In three seasons with the Lady Blues, Johnson scored 1147 points to rank her second among the program’s all-time leading scorers. Her teams had a combined 38-26 record and won the South Division title in 1984-85. Her other IC records include most free throws in a season (100) and rebounds in a season (345). She dominated her sport like few others have in Illinois College history. In each of her three seasons, Johnson served as team captain, won MVP honors and was named to the all-conference team. The Rushville native enjoyed similar success on the softball diamond. She is also a past recipient of IC’s Doris Hopper Award. She quickly established herself as one of the state’s most promising young coaches. In five seasons as head basketball coach at Brown County High School in Mt. Sterling Ill., Johnson had a 91-42 record, including a supersectional appearance in her first year at the helm. Her softball teams enjoyed a great deal of success, including a regional title. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. For the past several seasons, she has been the women’s basketball coach at Lincoln College in Lincoln, Ill.

Phil Pohlman ’86  One of several family members who competed at IC, set a school record in 1983 when he rushed for 302 yards in a win over the University of Chicago. His 1983 total of 1,044 yards ranks him fourth on the all-time list of single-season rushing leaders. His four varsity seasons with the Blueboys included MVP and all-conference honors, along with serving as team captain his senior season. Pohlman also won MVP honors in baseball to go with his four letters in the sport. Now a member of the Illinois State Police, the former IC gridder was head football coach and an assistant coach in baseball and basketball at Lewistown High School. He also served as an assistant in football and baseball at IC.

James Bonds ’57  Served for more than 30 years as a coach and administrator at the Illinois School for the Deaf. In 1983, he was elected to the Illinois Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Bonds, who retired from ISD, won letters at IC in basketball (1951-53) and baseball (1951-52).

Joseph Hagelauer ’42  Remembered as one of IC’s most versatile athletes. His eight varsity letters were earned in baseball, basketball, and football. He was a two-year starter at the end of the football squad and captained the basketball Blueboys. Hagelauer went on to successfully compete in semiprofessional baseball in the Chicago area. Hagelauer also played several years in amateur basketball leagues and, from 1958-64, he was active on behalf of youth baseball and helped found a Babe Ruth League in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Deceased February 28, 2007.

Ira Scott ’39  Best known for a distinguished 38-year career as a high school coach and athletic director. As an IC student, he was a three-year letterman and team captain in basketball. In track, Scott finished second in the long jump at the Little 19 Conference meet. Was a member of the IHSA state track committee for 10 years and was inducted into the Illinois Track Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1985. A lifelong sports advocate, Scott helped organize horseshoe clubs in several Arkansas communities and was inducted into the Arkansas Horseshoe Pitchers Association Hall of Fame in 1989. Deceased September 27, 2002.

Russell Taylor ’78  A standout on the gridiron, Taylor was a four-year starter on the offensive line and a two-time all-district selection. The 1977 Blueboy team that he co-captained achieved a national ranking. In track, Taylor won all-conference honors in the shot put and discus and finished second in the shot put at the 1976 NAIA district meet. He completed a Ph.D. in counseling psychology at the University of Illinois. While clinical director at the McFarland Mental Health Center, Taylor was awarded a special recognition for excellence by the Illinois Department of Mental Health. He is a psychologist in the Department of Human Resources in Springfield.

Barbara Freesen ’77  Lettered three years in basketball and two years in tennis for the Lady Blues. Served as captain of the women’s basketball team her senior year. After leaving the hilltop campus, she coached the women’s basketball and softball teams at Shawnee College in Ullin, Ill. She guided both squads to the state junior college tournament in 1978. Freesen currently is a member of the Illinois State Police and holds the rank of master sergeant.

Thomas Francis ’64  Won four letters in football and basketball and two each in baseball and golf. In 1963, he served as football team captain and was named by the Chicago Tribune to the Illinois Collegiate All-State team. Francis currently serves as senior vice president and chief operating officer for American Fidelity Corporation in Oklahoma City. He is also president of Francis Enterprises, an investment and consultant firm in Oklahoma City.

Timothy Mitchell ’87  A Jacksonville native and track standout at IC. His laurels include winning MVP honors and serving as captain of both the track and cross country teams. A recipient of the William Downer Award as IC’s male athlete of the year, Mitchell was a three-time qualifier for the NCAA Division III national track and field championships. He won all-America honors in the sport at the 1985 national finals. He is also a past recipient of the Hansel D. Wilson Award and the Al Miller Athletic Award for high grade point average. He is account sales manager at Comdisco Inc. in St. Louis.

Gregory Pohlman ’79  A successful head football coach at Carrollton High School, twice won NAIA All-District honors as a member of the Blueboys. He led the nation for much of the 1977 season in kick-off returns and had one runback for 94 yards. He also lettered four seasons in track, won the MVP award in 1979, and once held the IC high jump record with a leap of 6-4. Previously coached football and baseball at Carrollton and football at Jacksonville’s Routt High School where he led the Rockets to two state titles. As wrestling coach at Westville High School, Pohlman guided his team to conference, county, and regional titles. Pohlman is a teacher and coach at Carrollton High School in Carrollton, Ill.

Arthur Bergstrom ’28  Gained considerable fame as football coach and athletic director at Bradley University. The former NCAA executive won letters in baseball, basketball, and football. He later served as a football and basketball official and compiled a distinguished 20-year career as a coach at Casey, Monticello, Libertyville, and Decatur high schools. Bergstrom was head football coach and athletic director at Bradley from 1948-56. Under his direction, the university entered the Missouri Valley Conference and increased sports participation for both men and women. He served as assistant executive director of the National Colligate Athletic Association from 1956-74 and occupied a key role in the enforcement and infractions divisions. Deceased September 5, 2006.

Paul L. Pratt ’62  Served as a member of the Illinois College Board of Trustees and was a faithful fan, friend, and benefactor of his alma mater’s athletic teams. Was an associate in the East Alton Law firm of Pratt and Callis, P.C. He was a member and past president of the Madison County and Alton-Wood River bar associations and a member of the Inner Circle of Advocates. A White Hall native, Pratt received his law degree from the University of Illinois. Illinois College honored him with a distinguished service citation in 1982. Deceased April 1, 1993.

Dan Bowman ’73  Well known to central Illinois sports fans for his fine coaching records at Jacksonville-Routt and Greenfield High Schools. Bowman served as president in 1990-91 of the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association. In 1991, he guided the Greenfield Tigers to the state Class 2-A title game. As a player, Bowman never missed a start in four seasons with the football Blueboys. He was named Rookie of the Year in 1969, earned all-conference honors in 1971 and 1972, and served as team co-captain his senior season. Bowman is the dean of students and head football coach at Greenfield High School in Greenfield, Ill.

Devi Jo (McCurley) Harper ’87  Amassed letters in volleyball, basketball, and softball during a stellar career in the mid-’80s. Captained the Lady Blues’ basketball team during a senior season that saw her win MVP honors. As a tribute to her multitalented athletic skills, her fellow IC letter winners voted her recipient of the Doris Hopper Award, the College’s top female athlete honor, in 1985. In IC’s second season of competition in the Midwest Conference (1984-85), McCurley was a standout member of the Lady Blues’ basketball team that won its first South Division title and qualified for the league’s post-season tournament. She is one of just a few select Lady Blues to score more than 1,000 career points. She is the operations manager at Building Blocks Daycare in Springfield.

Gary Curtis ’57  A native of Jacksonville, Curtis served as director of the division of services for the deaf in Texas. During that time, he developed, implemented, and evaluated a statewide program that serves more than 4,000 hearing-impaired students who are enrolled in the public school system. Curtis earned letters in football, basketball, and baseball, but it was on the gridiron where he made his claim to fame. After an 18-game stretch during which he never missed a down, played both ways and called all of the offensive and defensive signals, The Chicago Sun-Times featured Curtis in an article that referred to the Blueboy’s star as the “Iron Man of Illinois Football.” As a senior, he captained the Blueboys and averaged 12 unassisted tackles per game. That feat earned him an invitation to the Chicago Bears training camp in 1957. He later served as assistant football coach at American School for the Deaf in Connecticut and the West Virginia School for the Deaf. Curtis earned his master’s degree at Gallaudet University and embarked on a 30-year career as an advocate for hearing-impaired students. He has competed in more than 50 10K and half-marathon races. Curtis retired from the Texas Education Agency in Austin, Texas.

Gregory Havlin ’85  Ranks as one of the finest basketball players in IC history. In each of his three seasons with the Blueboys, the Jacksonville native captured MVP and All-Midwest Conference honors. In 1983, he was voted winner of the William J.Downer Award which is presented annually to IC’s top male athlete. He is also a past recipient of the Kevin Ford Memorial Award. Havlin tallied 433 points as a sophomore, 104 as a senior, and 349 as a junior to finish with a career total of 1,183. That ranks him among the college’s top five all-time leading scorers. Havlin is a former Jacksonville High School standout. He is a sales representative at Communication Specialists Inc. in Austin, Texas.

John A. Mangieri ’79 Hails from a family whose name has been closely linked to sports at Illinois College for over a half-century. Was a key figure on the powerhouse football teams of the late ’70's. Two of the teams Mangieri played on – the 1978 and 1979 Blueboys – posted a combined mark of 15-2 and rank as two of the finest squads in the college’s long football history. Mangieri earned NAIA All-District honors as a senior when he led the squad with eight interceptions and served as co-captain. In addition to four letters in football, he earned four more in baseball. Mangieri was a strikeout artist on the mound, leading the Blueboys in that category his junior and senior seasons. He continued to compete in semipro baseball in the Quad Cities area as a pitcher and outfielder. In 1990, his team finished third in the men’s senior baseball league world series. Mangieri is account manager for Xerox Corporation in Davenport, Iowa.

Dan Runkle ’68  Won recognition for his success as head football coach at Mankato State University, an NCAA Division II school in Minnesota. Won a total of 10 varsity letters while competing in baseball, football, and basketball for the Blueboys. He served as captain of the basketball team and won the Al Miller High GPA Award in both basketball and baseball. A Rushville native, Runkle later earned his master’s degree at Western Illinois University and coached two seasons at Jacksonville High. At Mankato, Runkle guided the Mavericks to two NCAA post-season appearances and one North Central Conference championship. In 11 seasons at Mankato, he is credited with elevating the football program to contender status in what is considered one of the nation’s top Division II conferences. Before accepting the Mankato post in 1981, Runkle was a football assistant at the University of South Dakota, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Minnesota. Runkle is the athletic director at the University of Dubuque in Dubuque, Iowa.

Barney Vilk ’51  Popular Westville educator who was part of a talented group of Danville area ex-servicemen recruited by former coach Al Miller to revive the sports program during the postwar years. He quickly emerged as one of the top basketball players in the rugged CCI Conference as Illinois College became a league contender in the sport. He captained the 1950-51 IC squad and went on to earn letters in football and baseball in addition to basketball. During a career that saw him devote over 35 years to working with youngsters in the Westville School District, Vilk spent long hours as coach of basketball, track, and football at the junior and high school levels. He retired in 1986 after 15 years as Westville High School principal. In 1988, he was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He holds the distinction of being the only person to play on a Vermillion County Basketball Tournament championship team (1944), to coach a county champion (1964), and to be principal at a county championship school.

William R. Wood ’27  Best known for a sterling career in higher education capped by his appointment as president emeritus of the University of Alaska in 1975. The Jacksonville native earned his M.A. from the University of Illinois and his Ph.D. degree from the University of Iowa. As an undergraduate, Wood lettered in basketball and baseball at Illinois College. He also served as president of Sigma Pi Literary Society and was a member of the newspaper and yearbook staffs. Prior to embarking on a half-century career in educational administration, Dr. Wood played on the Kelly Springfields and Michigan Mentors professional basketball teams in the late 1920s. He served as vice president at the University of Nevada from 1954-1960 and was appointed president of the University of Alaska in 1960. Dr. Wood was named president emeritus of the university in 1975. In 1960, he was awarded the honorary Doctor of Laws degree by Illinois College. Deceased February 25, 2001.

William P. Roberts ’24 &nbdp;The late Roberts was honorary football team captain in 1923 and earned a pair of letters in the sport. He was a teacher, coach, and principal for many years in the Buffalo Tri-City School District and served as Sangamon County State’s Attorney from 1936-40. Deceased August 7, 1977.

Lawrence Corrigan ’40  Was one of IC’s all-time greatest swimmers and finished undefeated in three seasons of competition. He led the squad to three conference titles and set league and school records in the 100- and 200-yard freestyle events. Deceased November 26, 2004.

Marlin Dawdy ’63  Lettered four seasons in baseball and captured MVP and All-Prairie College Conference honors in the sport. The White Hall native also lettered in golf. He retired from State Farm Insurance in Duluth, Ga.

Neal Michael ’80  Started at full-back during an era (1976-79) that saw the Blueboys post a 26-8-1 mark and reach new levels of regional prominence. The Carlyle native was a football co-captain and recipient of IC’s Al Miller Award for scholastic performance. Michael worked for several years as a CPA in Centralia and is now the controller at Pretium Packaging in Flora, Ill.

Tim Smith ’80  A Winchester native who is considered one of the finest basketball players in IC history. He scored more than 1,000 points in a stellar, four-year career and earned two MVP awards. He also lettered in track and still holds the IC triple jump record. Smith’s coaching honors included being named IESA coach of the year in 1984 after leading the Winchester Grade School boys’ eighth-grade basketball team to the first of two state titles. He also coached the WGS eighth-grade boys’ track team to the 1989 state championship. Smith is a teacher and coach at Winchester.

Brian Becker ’90  Captured MVP honors in 1987, 1988, and 1989 for his play at linebacker and won All-Midwest Conference football honors in each of those three seasons. In 1989, he was selected to receive IC’s most coveted athletic honor, the William J. Downer Award, in recognition of his contributions on the football field. In three seasons on the gridiron, the former Mahomet-Seymour High School graduate recorded 276 tackles, including 90 solo stops. He resides in Monticello and works for State Farm Insurance.

Valerie Leitschuh ’90  A Litchfield native who is the only two-time recipient of IC’s coveted Doris Hopper Award, which is presented annually to the College’s outstanding female student-athlete. She is among IC’s all-time scoring leaders and her 1,233 points is the highest three-year total in Lady Blues’ history. She earned all-league basketball and team MVP honors in 1987-88 and 1988-89 and also lettered in volleyball and softball. She currently works as a firefighter in the Ft. Myers, Fla. area.

Michael Carter ’91  Former football halfback who captured IC’s William J. Downer Award as men’s overall sports MVP in 1990-91. As a senior in 1990, Carter rushed for 876 yards, caught 15 passes and scored 10 touchdowns en route to earning GTE-CoSIDA Academic All-America honors. The Naperville native rushed for a career total of 1,684 yards and scored 14 touchdowns while finishing as one of IC’s all-time leaders in kickoff and punt return yardage. Carter is employed by Onlink Technologies in Villa Park, Ill.

Jeffrey Vacca ’91  Became the first IC wrestler to win All-America honors when he finished sixth in the nation at 177 pounds at the 1991 NCAA Division III wrestling tournament. The Canton native who won Midwest Conference titles in the sport, captured his team’s MVP award in 1989-90 and 1990-91 and earned academic all-America honors as a senior. Vacca, who was chosen to receive IC’s William J. Downer Award for 1989-90, compiled marks of 35-4 as a junior and 36-6 as a senior en route to posting more than 100 career victories.

Brenna Kelly  One of the most successful coaches in Illinois College sports history. The Kahoka, Mo. native and Culver-Stockton College graduate guided the IC women to three Midwest Conference volleyball titles and one league crown in women’s basketball, and her 1993 volleyball squad became the first IC team to qualify for post-season competition since the NCAA went to the Division III format in the mid-1970s. She is the women’s basketball coach and women’s golf coach at IC.

Roy Colin ’35  Was honored posthumously. The 1935 graduate and Granite City native earned four varsity letters in football and served as captain of the 1934 football team that finished 6-1 under Head Coach Ray Eliot. The Blueboy standout also garnered all-Little 19 Conference honors for his play at end. The late Mr. Colin also lettered in baseball and served as manager of the basketball squad. He was also a member of the Varsity “I” Club and Gamma Nu Literary Society. He taught and coached at high schools in Arlington Heights, Mattoon, Lincoln, Carlinville, and Mt. Olive. Deceased October 11, 1968.

J. R. Dugan ’92  Illinois College’s only national champion. The Jacksonville High School graduate captured the NCAA Division III high jump championship with a leap of 6-11 in 1989. He started all four years as point guard for the basketball team and scored a career total of 1,037 points. Earned all-Midwest Conference honors in the sport and served as the Blueboys’ captain for two seasons. Dugan is a teacher and coach at Taylorville High School in Taylorville, Ill.

Jim Frame ’55  Ranks as one of Illinois College’s last football dropkick specialists. He competed from 1952-54, earned a pair of varsity letters on the gridiron and three more in basketball, also serving as team captain. A broken leg suffered during the 1954 homecoming football game ended his collegiate career. He retired from Knight Enterprises in Mantua, Ohio.

Robert “Pete” Grimsley ’79  Set a single season record in 1978-79 when he averaged 8.8 assists per game, and he ranks second among career leaders with 334 assists. The three-year starter and former co-captain earned IC’s Most Improved Player and Varsity Hustle awards and garnered honorable mention all-conference status at the Aurora College Classic. He coached boys’ basketball, baseball, and track at Liberty Junior High School and later coached at Griggsville High School and at Illini Central High School, where he now teaches. He was head coach of the Illini Central boys’ basketball team from 1989-94 and the baseball team from 1982-90.

Vickie Meiners ’93  Ranks first among Illinois College’s leading scorers in women’s basketball with 1,663 points, first in blocked shots, second in rebounds, third in field goal percentage, and seventh in free throw percentage. The former Nokomis High School standout was a key member of the 1992-93 Midwest Conference champion Lady Blues, and she was a four-time recipient of All-Midwest Conference Honors. In addition to winning three Most Valuable Player awards, Meiners was named to the GTE Academic All-America women’s basketball team and the Kodak All-America team following her senior season. She currently teaches English at Nokomis High School.

Kyle Price ’95  Set Illinois College’s single-game scoring record in 1993 when he scored 56 points against Grinnell. He ranks second in career points scored with 1,471 and is listed among the Blueboys’ career leaders in rebounds, steals, and field goal percentage. The Carrollton native earned MVP honors and served as the Blueboys’ team captain during his junior and senior seasons and was named Midwest Conference-South Division Player of the Year in 1992-93. In addition to all-league honors, Price is a past winner of IC’s Kevin Ford, Varsity Hustle, and Coaches’ awards, and he won MVP honors at the 1992 Maryville University Classic. Price is a teacher and girls’ basketball coach at Riverton High School in Riverton, Ill.

Don Petefish ’75  One of a handful of Illinois College student-athletes to capture all-conference honors four times in one sport (baseball), and he twice earned all-NAIA District 20 baseball honors. The Ashland native won baseball MVP honors in 1974 and served two seasons as co-captain. For several years, Don Petefish coached Ashland area youth in baseball and basketball. His twin sons, Drew and Matt, both won a measure of acclaim as members of the varsity basketball team at IC. Petefish is manager at Brandt Cehmical Co. in Ashland, Ill.

Ron Petefish ’75  Started three years at guard in basketball and four seasons at shortstop for the baseball Blueboys. Garnered MVP honors in both sports and, like his brother, filled the co-captain’s role. In addition to earning all-conference honors in both sports, Ron Petefish won the William J. Downer Award as Illinois College’s top overall male student-athlete in 1975. He is a clerk in the U.S. Post Office in Springfield.

Amy Wilson ’93  A Mt. Sterling native who was in the vanguard of student-athletes who helped transform intercollegiate sports for women at Illinois College. During her three seasons as a starter in basketball, the Lady Blues rose to the top of the Midwest Conference standings, capped off by a league title in Wilson’s senior season. The two-time all-conference standout and team captain holds the IC career record for assists (352) and ranks third all-time in steals and 3-point field goal percentage. She also earned the Lady Blues’ Hustle Award and defensive player of the year honors. Won IC’s Scholar Athlete of the Year Award for 1992-93 and the Margaret Barlow Award for combining excellence in athletics with outstanding academic preformance. The Phi Beta Kappa graduate earned awards for excellence in journalism, English, and French and went on to earn the M.A. degree in literature at the University of Illinois Springfield. Was a member of the MacMurray College faculty and served as head coach of the women’s golf team and assistant women’s basketball coach. She is working on completing her doctorate at the University of Iowa.

Laurie Black ’84  Started four years in softball and three in volleyball for the Lady Blues. She was a two-time captain in both sports, a two-time softball MVP, and IC’s Female Athlete of the Year in 1981-82. The Normal, Ill. native resides in Macomb and serves as NCAA athletic eligibility coordinator at Western Illinois University.

Charles L. “Bud” Davis ’66  A Chapin native, was a four-year football letterman and three-time all-conference selection at tackle. He also lettered in track and won the 1964 Prairie Conference shot put title. Davis assisted the football staff at Triopia High School for many years and is a former assistant coach at MacMurray College. He retired as a teacher from Franklin High School. Davis is also a former assistant football coach at his alma mater.

Dennis Duke ’90  Won four letters in basketball and four in golf. He won one MVP award during his stellar basketball career and ranks among the top five in assists and 3-point shooting and sixth in steals. He is a former Springfield city golf champion. Duke is a psychotherapist at Springfield Mental Health Center.

Jennifer Aggertt Dugan ’92  Led the Lady Blues to their first Midwest Conference volleyball title in 1991. The Jacksonville native won all-region honors as a hitter, was two-time academic all-district honoree, and finished sixth in the nation in hitting percentage in 1991. Dugan was voted IC’s female athlete of the year for 1991-92. The IC women won 50 matches during the two seasons Dugan was in the lineup. She is an optometric aide at SIU Eye Center in Jacksonville.

Angie Sapp Hartman ’98  Illinois’ all-time leading scorer as a basketball standout at Williamsville was Midwest Conference South Division Basketball Player of the Year in 1996. The 1998 IC graduate started four years at guard for the Lady Blues and finished her career with the top free throw percentage in IC history. Hartman, a two-time all-Midwest Conference selection and former co-MVP, is also a member of the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Brian Henry ’98  Lettered in football, baseball, and basketball for the Blueboys. The Mt. Sterling native ranks among the top all-time quarterbacks in IC football history and set single season records (since broken) for attempts, completions, yards, and touchdowns. He won pre-season all-America football honors in 1995 and 1996 and was a two-time all-conference honoree in baseball. He currently serves as an agent for Country Insurance.

Paul Lasley ’52  Lettered three times in football and was a two-time all-conference selection on the gridiron. The Jacksonville native started one season at linebacker for Army and played on a highly regarded Ft. Benning team. His IC credentials include three seasons as a baseball starter. He retired in 1975 after a 20-year military career.

Jim Patton ’61  Taught and coached wrestling at Woodstock High School for 34 years and is one of the state’s top all-time wrestling coaches. Won all-league football honors and was captain and Most Valuable Player in wrestling. Patton is a member of the Illinois Coaching and Officials Wrestling Hall of Fame. He retired from the Woodstock School District in Woodstock, Ill.

Fred Peters ’92  Completed his outstanding basketball career with the third-best point total in Blueboy history. The New Berlin native won IC’s Male Athlete of the Year Award in 1991-92 and also earned All-Midwest Conference, academic all-America, and Most Valuable Player honors. Peters has served as a high school basketball coach on the island of Guam since 1966 and represented the island nation in international basketball competition. His career totals place him among IC’s all-time rebound and blocked shot leaders. Peters is a teacher and coach at St. John’s School in Guam.

Daniel O. Sullivan ’78  Captured Prairie Conference Newcomer of the Year and IC Rookie of the Year honors on the gridiron in 1973. He ranked as the Blueboys’ interception and tackle leader throughout his career and played an integral role in a defensive secondary that led the nation with 28 interceptions. His brother and fellow Hall of Fame inductee, William K. Sullivan, was also a defensive starter during the same era for the Blueboys. Dan Sullivan is a teacher and head track coach at PORTA Elementary School in Petersburg, Ill.

William K. Sullivan ’76  Started every game at defensive end during a football career that spanned 1972-75. In addition to serving as team captain, Sullivan won MVP honors and was twice named to the all-conference team. He enjoyed a successful career as a teacher and wrestling coach at Athens High School. He is currently an independent contractor.

Harry Lee Sweet ’62  Earned four varsity letters in football and garnered honorable mention all-America honors in 1961 when he served as co-captain. Averaged 7.6 yards per carry from his backfield position in 1959. He retired after a career in the insurance industry.

 
 
 
Illinois College
1101 West College Avenue
Jacksonville, IL 62650
217.245.3030

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